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Strategy for shading walkable spaces in the GCC region
Journal of Urban Regeneration and Renewal,
14
(3),
312-328
(2021)
Abstract
The Gulf region experiences a hot and arid climate that makes walkability almost impossible, leading to reliance on private vehicular transport that contributes towards high carbon footprint in various dense urban settlements within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Public transport plays a vital role in the reduction of carbon emissions from the increasing amount of private transport. There is a gap, however, since pedestrians within hot and arid regions need to get to their various destinations under shaded conditions. This calls for shaded walkways during regeneration of the urban fabric to facilitate walking for transit and, where possible, walking for leisure. The paper addresses the need for walkable spaces; it looks at Qatar’s regeneration as a case study, analyses efforts made in similar climatic conditions and provides adaptable solutions that can facilitate walkability within existing and urban regeneration. The paper proposes the use of both natural and artificial modes of shading, taking into account the challenges currently faced within hot and arid regions. A transport-oriented development (TOD) approach is proposed as an adaptive solution to formulate a strategy for shading transit routes/pathways for pedestrians. The strategy was conceptually developed and reviewed through a focus group with industry experts. The findings of the study can provide a strategy to improve walkability within the GCC region during regeneration projects. Walkability adds value to facilities and infrastructure while improving healthy lifestyle and reduces reliance on private modes of transport through improved connected spaces. Walkability can improve public transit and reduce carbon emissions within urban city clusters.
Keywords: shading; pedestrians; regeneration; transport; climate
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Ahmad Mohammad Ahmad is an assistant professor at Qatar University. He holds a BSc in architecture from ABU Zaria, Nigeria, Master’s in architecture from Lincoln University, MSc in modern building design from Bath University and PhD from Loughborough University, UK. Ahmad has over ten years’ teaching, research and construction industry experience in the fields of urban planning and regeneration, low carbon design, architectural design for affordable design projects, BIM and innovative design applications in the UK architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry. His specialisms include sustainable infrastructure, design development and the adoption of BIM culture change to facilitate organisational performance within the built environment, with a passion for wayfinding and flexible spaces especially in healthcare buildings.
Ahmad Muhammad Ahmad is a site engineer with over ten years’ teaching, technical, research and industry experience. He holds a BEng in civil engineering from BUK, MEng from East London University and is currently a part-time PhD student at the University of Birmingham, UK. Special interest include urban design and regeneration, managing the setting out of civil projects, low carbon construction materials in civil engineering, sustainable buildings and infrastructure. He is experienced in providing strategic guidance, technical advice, exploring and utilising evidence-based approach to low carbon construction through advisory, the use of sustainable materials, construction technology and innovation in construction.
Abdullahi Adamu Aliyu is course leader for the Construction Project Management accredited programme at De Montfort University, UK in collaboration with Leicester College. He holds a BSc in architecture from ABU Zaria, Nigeria, Master’s in architecture from Lincoln University and DEng from Loughborough University, UK. In his current role he participates in general academic planning, management, delivery and development of course specification/content for teaching, learning, assessment and verification for the BSc (Hons) in construction management, with particular emphasis on project, programme and portfolio management in built environment. Special interests include design for sustainability; urban design and regeneration; low carbon design, strategy development, implementation and improvement; process and product innovation; life cycle management; product stewardship and circular economy; property development and investment.
